Preview: Aldershot Town

MK Dons ramp up their pre-season campaign on Saturday when they face Aldershot Town in a friendly at the Electrical Services Stadium.

Karl Robinson’s men travel to Hampshire for their toughest test of the summer so far and they’ll be looking to impress with just two weeks to go until the Sky Bet League One opener at Shrewsbury Town.

Kick-off is at 3pm.

THE OPPOSITION
This season, Aldershot will be looking to improve on their mid-table finish in the National League from 2015/16.

The Shots are managed by former Dons assistant Gary Waddock, who returned to Hampshire in May, seven years after leaving the club to join Wycombe Wanderers.

Saturday will be Aldershot’s fourth game of the summer so far, having previously taken on the likes of Queens Park Rangers, Gosport Borough and Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Aldershot are led by striker Charlie Walker, who bagged 14 goals last season. They’ve also brought in a number of players with EFL experience, including Scott Rendell, Bernard Mensah and Matt McClure.

TEAM NEWS
David Martin, Darren Potter and Nick Maynard are all expected to make the trip to Hampshire, meaning they could feature again after being rested for past three outings.

Dean Bowditch (calf) is the only definite absentee for the Dons, who are set to name a strong XI with this their first real test of the summer so far.

The Club are also still awaiting international clearance for Callum Brittain and Kabongo Tshimanga, following their return to the country from their loan spells with Throttur Reykjavik.

FIGHTING TALK
“Things start to change at this stage of the season. The mentality switch has to happen. We will still be playing fatigued on Saturday, which you wouldn’t get during the season.

“There will be one or two other games that will be played at a higher level but we’re improving the level of opposition we’re playing against.

“Games like Saturday, will be a test our quality and fitness levels – they’ll give me a farer reflection of where we’re at.

“Gary is a good friend. He did a great job in the short time he was here. He’s a real good football man, someone who I’ve got a lot of respect for, and it will be good to see him.”

STAY IN TOUCH
Admission on the day will be priced at £10 adults and £5 concessions, while under-11s can go FREE if accompanied by a full-paying adult.

Supporters with disabilities can purchase tickets at £5 and are entitled to a FREE carer. Tickets in the disabled areas must be booked in advance by calling 01252 320211.

Both home and away supporters will be accommodated in the North Stand and admission is via turnstiles 7 – 10.

Tickets cannot be booked in advance.

For those at home, live updates will be provided on Twitter - @MKDonsFC - while a full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com after the final whistle. Reaction, highlights and photos will follow on Sunday.